ORTHOVISC®

ORTHOVISC® (High Molecular Weight Hyaluronan) is the only FDA-approved treatment made from ultra-pure hyaluronan, a naturally occurring lubricant found in healthy knee joints. This knee pain injection is also the only treatment providing up to six months of pain relief that does not come from avian sources.

This means that ORTHOVISC® will not cause an allergic reaction if you suffer from avian allergies.

What is ORTHOVISC®?

When exercise and simple pain medications no longer effectively manage knee pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA), ORTHOVISC® may be the answer.

ORTHOVISC® (High Molecular Weight Hyaluronan) is the only FDA-approved treatment made from ultra-pure hyaluronan, a naturally occurring lubricant found in healthy knee joints. This knee pain injection is also the only treatment providing up to six months of pain relief that does not come from avian sources. This means that ORTHOVISC® will not cause an allergic reaction if you suffer from avian allergies.

About the Procedure

The full ORTHOVISC® treatment cycle consists of one injection a week for three or four consecutive weeks. Although individual results may vary, some people feel relief after the first injection.

The osteoarthritis injection procedure itself usually only takes a few minutes, and most patients experience little or no discomfort.

Is ORTHOVISC® right for me?

If knee pain is keeping you from doing what you love and you’ve tried other treatments (OTC and prescription pain relievers, exercise, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections) and nothing seems to work or is no longer effective, ORTHOVISC® treatment may be right for you. Only your doctor can determine what treatment may be best for you.

How quickly can I expect pain relief and how long will it last?

With just three or four consecutive, weekly injections, ORTHOVISC® treatment can provide up to six months of knee pain relief. Everyone responds differently, but some people experience pain relief after the first injection.

What is the ORTHOVISC® treatment procedure?

ORTHOVISC® treatment consists of three or four consecutive, weekly injections given by a trained healthcare professional in his/her office.

Are there any special treatment instructions?

If you have any known allergies, talk to your doctor to determine if you can take ORTHOVISC®. For the first 48 hours after each injection, it is recommended that you avoid strenuous activities (e.g. jogging, tennis, heavy lifting).

Are there any side effects?

The most commonly reported side effects are joint pain, back pain and headache. Others include temporary pain at the injection site. ORTHOVISC® treatment should not be given to patients with infections or skin diseases in the area of the injection site.

Will ORTHOVISC® affect any other medications I may be taking?

Talk to your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking. Your doctor must know your medical information to make the best decision about your treatment plan.

How often can ORTHOVISC® be injected into my knee?

The number of courses/injections is a decision you and your doctor need to make.Your doctor may recommend three or four ORTHOVISC® injections. Studies show that retreatment with ORTHOVISC® is safe following the initial 6-month treatment period. Consult your insurance provider to find out about coverage for any retreatments you may receive.